Refinish An Ugly Subframe

Part of any car restoration is prepping, cleaning and painting. When you can remove a subframe to refinish it, you really should. Today I show you exactly how to paint your subframe and all the steps to make your old subframe look new, for cheap.
Become A CrewMember ~ goo.gl/D7eROI
Patreon ~ www.patreon.com/user?u=4243029
Amazon affiliate link ~ amzn.to/2fr7yfE
~~Buy all this stuff locally, it's cheaper!~~
Wire Wheel ~ amzn.to/2ugJEdS
Zep Degreaser ~ amzn.to/2vbqsL0
Scuff pads ~ amzn.to/2u7a1CM
Chassis Paint ~ amzn.to/2vb6NuX
Humble Mechanic Podcasts
• The Humble Mechanic Po...
Project White Wookie ~ MK3 GTI Videos
• MK3 VR6 GTI Project Car
Failed VW parts videos
• How VW Parts Fail
Tool and Product Reviews
• Tool and Product Reviews
How To videos
• How To Fix Your Car
MK1 VR6 Swap Videos
• VR6 Engine Swap MK1 Ca...
Be sure to follow me at:
The Blog
humblemechanic.com
INSTAGRAM
/ humblemechanic
FACEBOOK
/ humblemechanic
TWITTER
/ humblemechanic
GOOD STUFF ON AMAZON
amzn.to/2fr7yfE (affiliate)

[@DiscoMan]

Great idea with the earplugs.

[@johnferguson7235]

You can also roll up some wax paper into little tubes and put that in the bolt holes.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I put links to the stuff I used in the description. But for real, buy that stuff local, it's way cheaper. The paint was almost 1/2 the price. I put those links so you guys can easily see what I am talking about, and read reviews. But Amazon is not always the best place to buy the stuff.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

HumbleMechanic I redid the subframe and rear beam in my 91 Jetta coupe back in 2012 with the por15 deal. 2 coats of por15,2 coats of por tie coat, 2-3 coats of brush on rustoleum and lightly sanded smooth. Then for the gloss I used a matching rustoleum spray paint. Just choose a color that comes in both brush on and spray on. 5 years later of summer driving and barely a rusty spot has appeared, mainly at a couple seams where rusty moisture could settle at. Cool thing about the brush/ top spray coat is that if you get a stone chip in the gloss, the brushed paint shows and it doesn't stand out as bad. I'm tempted to try your setup on a spare subframe and beam I have, and swapping it in over the winter months.

[@Swordie100]

Still, buying online usually is cheaper..

[@johnferguson7235]

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It's much cheaper to fight the rust than to replace a rusted out subframe. It's also a great chance to apply an under coat on the vehicle chassis to fight the rust. Pressure washing the grease and dirt is probably faster. It's a good idea to save as much of the original factory paint as possible, you'll never equal the bond that paint has to the metal surface.

[@Nipplator99999999999]

It's a great attribute of yours that you cover both foundation skills for the next generation of techs, and also the more obscure advanced procedures techs may lack experience with. I personally have a habit of choosing a color from a different manufacturer to annoy any purists I may get to interact with.

[@ejsgarage]

OMG! That sub frame finish looks very shiny after you refinished it Charles! Thank you for showing us how to do it. I really appreciate it!

[@quincybirwood2629]

The ear plugs for the treaded holes is pure genius. I'll be using that one for sure. Thanks for posting.

[@4DIYers]

Awesome work! Definitely caught it in the right time too. Gets to be a pain when the rust gets excessive and pits the metal.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yeah, I am thankful the car is in the condition it's in

[@jaredmoore8982]

I know he doesn’t go too far in depth with that rust removal, a good rule of thumb to keep in mind is to clean anywhere beyond the rust by at least an inch in every direction. If there’s rust in one spot it could have traveled under the paint. Wanna make sure when you put new paint on it has the best opportunity to preserve that metal.

[@thrillbilldeluxe]

Liked while the ad was playing! I've been waiting for this video. Been following it on Instagram. I'm gonna do this on a MK4 subframe for when i completely redo the suspension. Also: I never realized that's what POR stood for.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Sweet!!!

[@x-man4702]

Great video! I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for posting.

[@K03sport]

I like the ear plugs tip too, thanks for sharing...one thing I like to do, especially if doing more than one coat is to pick a contrasting color for each of the different coats, i.e. since you started out with a black subframe, I would have made my first coat gray, then 2nd coat a different color, and the final coat black. the reason for this would be to see where I've painted/not painted and ensured 100% coverage...I've watched a few of your videos and decided to hit the 'sub' button...cheers

[@HumbleMechanic]

Rock on!!! Thank you

[@juanherrera2672]

Very few vids on VHT roll bar and chassis paint keep in mind it says 7 days to fully cure on the can and thanks fer the vid sir. well done

[@jeremywhittler8591]

For the guys breaking thier trans- (GTX 3582 gen2/built 12v) You can move the drivers side transmission cup at this stage and go 02M. You need an adaptor bracket. With the price of upgraded gearboxes and gearsets(02A) , It makes sense to build an 02M. Use the 5 speed diesel gearset. Aftermarket shift linkages allow you to use 12v aluminum thermostat housing and factory hose configuration. See driveshaft shop for 02M mk3 axles. A twin disc is a good option , you need a mk4 24v starter/240 mm flywheel.

[@Noah_E]

Nice tip about the ear plugs. I've always just used a bit of a shop paper towel

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks. I think that I learned it from someone in the audience.

[@klousy58]

great work keep the amazing vids coming

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks Matt!

[@Molosludgefoot]

Thanks for sharing another step in the "Wookie Adventure" keep up the great work sir. Always enjoy 'em!

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Molosludgefoot thanks so much. I love that I can share this with you guys. I hope it helps people do their own stuff.

[@Molosludgefoot]

Amen, and my point exactly. :D Cheers!

[@theadventuresofjavier8698]

sorry for the late reply..i was elbow deep into removing a timing cover on a camry..btw my grandson got all crazy when you mentioned my name yesterday..thanks Charles.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hell yeah Javier! give little man a high 5 for me.

[@AustrianAnarchy]

Two-part epoxy paint is pretty skookum too. Maybe just me and I am not a real pro like you. Awesome job btw.

[@mattiloponen92]

AustrianAnarchy Have you been watching AvE lol

[@chrisrhodes5464]

yeah you can paint it better with out huffing the fumes but it is not as fun

[@HumbleMechanic]

I wonder if you see 4, and paint all 4 if that means your productivity is 4x more? LOL

[@chrisrhodes5464]

HumbleMechanic I had helped a nieghbor paint a Chevy Impala four from the late 70s with lacguar paint in a two car garage by the time we was done painting I was seeing all kinds of magical things

[@HumbleMechanic]

HAHA some people pay big money for that feeling.

[@Farpointhold]

How true weather Raleigh weather , Its always humid in the south.

[@rotaryrich]

What about electrolysis to remove the rust?

[@shmuck66]

Hey Humble. I've used the VHT chassis paint and VHT epoxy paint on my Audi and it absolutely did a terrible job. Coverage..... GREAT.... Appearance GREAT.... Toughtness..... RUBBISH!!!! I had to drive my audi briefly in the winter and come spring time I had rust everywhere on the suspension and subframes! Closer inspection revealed that the paint leaves pores available for moisture to bleed through. All my parts were sandblasted clean, and degreased prior to painting. I've been doing stuff like this for years and decided to try VHT Chassis and VHT epoxy paint for this job and I am mortified at the quality. I really really really recommend using Rustoleum or other rust paint for Chassis if you do not get powder coating done. VHT makes some great paints but it's epoxy and chassis paint is total garbage.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Nate Terrs man I hate to hear that. I've used VHT a bunch of times and it held up great. This is the first time with the chassis paint. Their epoxy paint was the jam on my Cabby. I guess time will tell on this one.

[@shmuck66]

Hey man, best of luck. I know how much it sucks when something lets you down.

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Nate Terrs yeah no doubt man. Sadly only Time will tell.

[@scghost]

You see three of them after huffing some fumes? Paint the one in the middle!

[@Sooperdooper74]

Wonderful Job. Is this a Mk3 or Passat, or Corrado Subframe. I want to start my Mk2 VR Project.

[@Arrozconchopsticks]

would like to do something like this with my cars. would like to remove the surface rust from mine and get it painted or powder coated.

[@randomedia4648]

Great video, are there any tips or tricks to alignment when re-fitting? Cheers

[@HumbleMechanic]

thanks! The biggest thing is look for the witness marks where the bolts were.

[@jaxmix4918]

2005 Lexus sc430 I was opening the top and the top got stuck anyway I could put the top back down by hand

[@aubreybush5287]

How do you remove the 4 bolts holding the steering rack to the subframe? They seem to be in a tight hard to reach spot

[@wyattoneable]

Ha, foam ear plugs to plug the holes, brilliant.

[@tt-rs1457]

Unbelivebable, the subframe looks like new, when you disassembled it. Here, these frames falling into rostpieces, after 10 years....

[@HumbleMechanic]

Love living in the south LOL

[@x-man4702]

What type of degreaser did you use to clean the subframe?

[@shemmo]

what about using rust converter before applying the paint? it will remove any fine residues of the rust and prevent it from "growing" under the paint :)

[@HumbleMechanic]

Heck yeh

[@VeganBytes]

I have a 2019 mx5 and the subframe has spots of rust all over. I would say this is due to the poor quality paint job on mazdas behalf, and the fact the paint is water based, so not very durable. I was thinking of respraying too but would it make more sense to get another few years out of it and just replace with a new subframe?

[@csours]

Did this subframe not have frame wax on it originally?

[@TheDaf95xf]

Nice tidy job.........👍 🇬🇧

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you

[@mattiloponen92]

That subframe is in a mint condition imo. I live in Finland and our harsh wather conditions devour cars like no other. wet snow rain and SALT are poison to cars. Car that old would really be in a bad condition unless it's been properly shielded against rust. Factory rust protection isnt enough. German cars like audi are great tho because they have zinc coating from the factory.

[@YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit]

Weren't you just gonna do like, a tune up, vacuum the old fries from under the seat, and change the oil on this car..? Don't get me wrong, I'm frikkin' ecstatic that you're doing all that you are, and I'm very grateful, so thanks for getting carried away.

[@Nipplator99999999999]

YerBrwnDogAteMyRabit This is a mechanic's "tune up", it doesn't matter what the plan is when you get started.

[@HumbleMechanic]

HAHAHA

[@HumbleMechanic]

That was the loose plan. I knew I was going to need to do chains, so that's a big job. Then I sold the Cabby and figured "Hey why not spend a stupid amount of money on a turbo setup". Now everyone is seeing the full impact of the "While I am in here" mentality.

[@jeremywhittler8591]

VR6 Turbo=$=😆

[@MK3-VR6]

i use brake cleaner instead of degreaser and brush all to metal then epoxy primer and paint

[@becomematrix]

I have the same jack :-)

[@RedondoBeach2]

What parts or hardware were replaced when the subframe was reinstalled? Is there a video for the reinstallation?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I would and did replace all the bolts. Good time to replace engine mounts too.

[@eksine]

Your subframe looked good before painting

[@becomematrix]

Sonic jack!

[@braddowns17]

Charles how many cans of red bull did you drink to move that fast?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Brad Downs 8373837373783737382836525157484 cans. But it was the sugar free kind. Haha ;)

[@techtim2012]

got to ask what's the time u had for the extra clean and paint

[@HumbleMechanic]

This whole process with filming took about 3 hours no including drying time of paint.

[@jeremywhittler8591]

Can we send new parts Charles? Which parts do you not have...

[@digitalmanolo84]

Any ideas on what the Subframe weighs? Wondering if there could be any weight savings by having something exotic built up to take its place? Just daydreaming here...

[@HumbleMechanic]

+digitalmanolo84 i don't know, but I can weight it and find out

[@reallyhappenings5597]

I've though about what it would take to fab a carbon fiber subframe for weight savings on my 2002 Volvo. It would def be a project, only worth it when most other performance mods are already done

[@havlajs10]

While you were painting the subframe it kinda looked like a dog. :D :D :D

[@HumbleMechanic]

HAHHA I see it

[@sleepingnoises525]

Are familiar with hybrid tahoe? I have an 08 this morning drove it 2 hours later will not start says service hybrid system. Radio, Windows work it just doesn't turn on

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Reyna G. Not enough to tell you what is wrong. You'll really need to get a shop that knows how to work on hybrids to diagnose it.

[@steve5912]

Reyna G. Wow ur bitch ass has a hybrid theres ur problem

[@farim7881]

Is Powder Coating stronger than the regular Paint Job ?

[@HumbleMechanic]

It can be. Powder coat is great! But for something this size I’d have to take it to get done. This won’t fit in my little oven. Haha

[@farim7881]

@@HumbleMechanic Maybe if you have extra space, you can buy a used big oven that was used by restaurant. My friend did it. He got it from Craigslist.... LoL. I know that people powder coat engine block because of its resistance to heat.

[@beyb7]

How can I replace a subframe without taking everything out?

[@HumbleMechanic]

You probably can’t

[@jayantoine669]

Can you undercoat a subframe?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yea I guess so. Might add a lot of unneeded weight

[@JuckPlayS]

this one looks like new compared to mine😂

[@mexico13luna]

notification gang lets get this vr built charles

[@HumbleMechanic]

DAMN RIGHT! I should have the head bolted on next week. I am prepping for a trip to Cali today, or I would do it now HAHA

[@mexico13luna]

Sounds good man ,Im currently feeling lazy on finishing my own turbo project but i just need stronger axles and maybe welding my charge pipes

[@HumbleMechanic]

I am a little worried about when it comes time for charge pipes. That and exhaust will be the next 2 big holdups.

[@mexico13luna]

HumbleMechanic exhaust shouldnt be too bad what manifold and turbo are planning to run ? The charge pipes on the other hand are a b****.Ive figured out how to run them but im looking for a dicrete look so i have to reroute them again

[@DavidHernandez-oc7vr]

Do you know how I test my cluster

[@HumbleMechanic]

How do you test your cluster?

[@vrtdubber]

@@HumbleMechanic lmao

[@brandonfoss9445]

Humble Mechanic do you plan to undercoat any part of the car?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Right now no. VWs are pretty well treated un the bottom. I may spray the wheel wells, but not sure yet

[@Mortalomena]

You know the rust is back thru the paint within a year right? Sandblasting or new metal are the only real ways to fix rust.

[@olaf9198]

let me remove the subframe on May old polo, wait IT doesnt have 1 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@HumbleMechanic]

LOL, MY Cabby didn't have one either.

[@kaffetrakter4174]

Anyone experienced with rust removing? I am planning removing rust from under the back of the car (rear suspension). Do the chassis, clean where the spring seats and so on. It is rust there now, but i think it is only surface rust and is still saveable. Will this procedure work? Or do you recommend some other procedure?

[@HumbleMechanic]

For that I m might look at the POR15 kit. You can watch the video I did on painting the engine. The process is the same. POR15 is LEGIT stuff. I used it in my Cabby floor and that stuff dried rock hard. If it's just surface rust, use the wire wheel and get as much off as you can.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Here is the engine paint video. ~ kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6S7pWyoYr6if5o

[@leadingseamanphilbillingto100]

kaffetrakter nothing beats a proper sandblast and paint. If you don't want to pull the car right to pieces, wire wheel it, treat the rust, paint it and put on some sort of rust proofing.

[@tthams73]

You don’t really expect that to last do you? I give it a year max. For $100 you can have the entire part powder coated.

[@SlimSwadey]

“I wonder if theirs a video to freshen up the subframe on the vr before I put it in?” *Click* “That looks like a vr subframe... 🤔”

[@HumbleMechanic]

Spooky haha

[@SlimSwadey]

@@HumbleMechanic Thanks for all your Vw help, it’s really helped me stay in the spirit after a couple of... let’s say “spirited driven trips”

[@simonrawle7885]

a better man than me . i cant spray to save my life .

[@HumbleMechanic]

I had a lot of practice

[@fatwalletboy2]

Honestly that subframe really did not need a resto.....but as a demo video its okay

[@HumbleMechanic]

Okay is always my goal!

[@IIGrayfoxII]

Should've painted it white.

[@photopc]

Wire wheels "polish the rust" flap wheels remove it...

[@miguelsoto9579]

Funny didn’t show the paint u used ahhaaj

[@scottevans485]

First to like

[@HumbleMechanic]

and comment. :)

[@scottevans485]

yes

[@x-man4702]

What type of degreaser did you use to clean the subframe?